Employees, visitors and patients can expect to see some enhancements to their food options in the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers in the coming weeks.

Beginning July 13, UMHHC will enter into a four-year contract with Picasso Restaurant Group (PGR) who will take over operations at NICK’s Café in the North Ingalls Building, Atrium Healthy Heart Café in the Cardiovascular Center, and Java City in the University Hospital/Cancer Center Link.

PRG will introduce new food offerings to these locations, including:

• Picasso Deli: A one-of-a-kind sandwich shop where customers will be able to create their own made-to-order sandwiches or choose a unique creation.

• Michigan’s first Jamba Juice Smoothie Station: With more than 700 nationwide units, Jamba Juice has become the industry leader in providing healthy and innovative all natural fruit smoothies.

Nick’s Café will also undergo a transformation including an upgraded deli station, new grill and salad bar.

To facilitate this transition, retail food will be closed at the CVC, NICK’s Café and the University Hospital/Cancer Link June 30 – July 6.

ARAMARK will remain the primary retail food vendor for the main Cafeteria at University Hospital, East Medical Center, and the coffee kiosks at Taubman and UH. The company also has plans for its own set of improvements to food options.

• The Main Cafeteria “Go Brew” will be turned into a full service Subway store.

• Larger soup station.

• Large grill station, “baked” station, and pizza station.

• Good mix station including family meal options.

• Guest restaurant section, consisting of up to two different guest restaurants daily.

As part of UMHHC’s efforts to provide healthier food options and model behavior for patients, staff and visitors, the UH cafeteria will discontinue the use of grease fryers. Additionally, all retail food products will be labeled with nutritional information, potential allergens and ingredients.

More than 60 percent of daily food options at the UH Cafeteria and NICK’s as well as 90 percent at the CVC, meet MHealthy’s guidelines.